Sometimes the future writer is separated from world fame only by the reluctance of publishers to rely on a new author. Michael Sullivan could well replenish the crowd of talented, but, alas, unknown authors, if not for one circumstance - he decided to publish his work himself. Soon they became bestsellers, and a new name appeared in the fantasy world.
about the author
Michael J. Sullivan was born born September 17, 1961 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I started writing at the age of 10, after I found a typewriter in the basement of my house. The first lines he typed were: "It was a dark and stormy night." It seems that even then, Michael Sullivan decided on the work of his life - writing books became his favorite thing.
This is not to say that the novice writer took this as a hobby. He studied the work of such masters as Stephen King, Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck for a long time , and honed his own style. However, having written 13 novels in 10 years, Michael never received recognition.
Then he did two things at the same time - quit smoking and quit writing. And he promised himself that it was forever.
Michael Sullivan worked as an illustrator, and in 1996 organized his own small business - an advertising agency. In 2005, he closed the case and devoted all his free time to writing books, breaking his own word. He did this in order to instill a love of reading for his thirteen-year-old daughter, who is dyslexic.
The author was already well in his forties, he did not seek popularity and did not plan to submit his work to print. His wife dissuaded him from such a step after reading the third book of the series “Revelations of Riyria”. Acting as his business partner, the writer’s wife arranged for the first two novels to be printed in small prints, then they received recognition in the electronic version (2008). Only after that, Michael Sullivan became interesting to publishers, not only in the United States (2010), but around the world. Today his works are translated into 14 languages, including Russian.
The author is married, he has three children.
Michael Sullivan: books
The author wrote six works of the cycle “Revelations of Riyria”, which were first published in parts, and then were published in three volumes. There is also a parallel series, The Chronicles of Riiria. They can be read at the same time.
Michael Sullivan recommends reading his books not according to the time of events in the works, but as they were published:
- "The abduction of swords." This part includes “Conspiracy against the Crown” and “Avempartha”.
- "The rise of the empire." This includes Nifron's Ascent and the Emerald Storm.
- "The heir to Novron." It consists of books entitled “Holiday of Winter” and “Perceplikis” (or “Perseplikvis” and “Winter” - there are different options).
- The Crown Tower.
- "Rose and thorn."
- "Death of Dulgat."
Without a series: Hollow World.
Reviews
What books does Michael Sullivan write? "The abduction of swords" - this is the work by which you can evaluate all the work of the author and understand whether to read it or not. The book deals with a pair of talented thieves - Royce and Adrian, who are accompanied by extraordinary luck in their craft. But one negligence - and now, they are already bogged down in royal intrigues, and the fate of the country depends on their actions.
In the USA, Michael Sullivan is compared with George Martin, but without revealing bed scenes, as well as with authors of classic fantasy, for example, John R. R. Tolkien. But Sullivan has less epic books, and elves, gnomes, and other fairy races were introduced only as decorations - if they were replaced by people, the book would not have changed.
And in our country, they draw an analogy with Alexei Pekhov and his “Chronicles of Siala”. Heroes and ideas are similar, but our compatriot is ahead of Sullivan according to readers.
In general, the works of this author can be called successful, one might say - four with a plus. What was missing to the ideal? The speakers, more elaboration of the details of the world, or maybe they just played personal taste preferences.
Reading books by Michael Sullivan is possible for everyone, fans of fantasy with a detective bias - a must.